JetBlue to discontinue Nashville service

A little over a year after it began service in Nashville, JetBlue announced today it will discontinue operations at Nashville International Airport (BNA) as of Jan. 6, 2008.

The company also said it will cease service to Columbus, Ohio after it announced its third quarter earnings.

“We’re saddened to see JetBlue leave our market since we value them as a strategic partner in BNA’s diverse landscape of air carriers. We wish them well,” said Raul Regalado, president and CEO of the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority (MNAA). “We remain optimistic about BNA’s future and steadfast in our commitment to providing exemplary customer service.”

JetBlue began its Nashville service to New York on Aug. 31, 2006. The airline made a splash nationally with its roomier seating, in-flight television and gourmet snacks. At the same time, the airline hit financial hard times in the last year due to an inability to keep up with flight demand.

American Airlines and Delta Air Lines also serve New York with daily non-stop flights from Nashville.